Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)

Clinicians should call MDH (651-201-5414) when evaluating a patient that meets the following criteria:

Fever AND pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (based on clinical or radiological evidence) AND EITHER:

History of travel from the Arabian Peninsula* within 14 days before symptom onset, OR

Close contact with a traveler who developed fever and acute respiratory illness (not necessarily pneumonia) within 14 days after traveling from the Arabian Peninsula*

OR

Fever AND symptoms of respiratory illness (e.g. cough, shortness of breath) AND history of being in a health care facility (as a patient, worker, or visitor) within 14 days before symptom onset in a country in or near the Arabian Peninsula*.

Infection Prevention and Control

Patients meeting MERS-CoV criteria above should be placed in Airborne and Contact Precautions, in addition to Standard Precautions. This includes an Airborne Infection Isolation Room (i.e., negative pressure room) and N95 respirators and eye protection or PAPRs for health care workers. Patient should wear a surgical mask if leaving negative pressure room. If negative pressure room is not available, place patient in a private room with the door closed and patient should wear a surgical mask.